Submitted by crinadmin on
[13 April 2012] -The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict is gravely concerned about reports of recruitment and use of children by Tuareg rebels and Islamist militias in northern Mali. "Under no circumstances can the recruitment and use of children be tolerated. I wish to remind all forces of their responsibility to comply with their obligations under international law," SRSG Radhika Coomaraswamy said. Reports also suggest that women and girls are being abducted and raped as well as hospitals looted. With the escalating humanitarian crisis, more than 200,000 people including many children have fled the north of Mali. The volatile security situation and limited access to the region have prevented the United Nations from fully investigating the reported cases. “We have been alerted, and will closely monitor the unfolding situation and violations committed against children by all parties,” Ms. Coomaraswamy said.
More information:
pdf: http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/pr/2012-04-13.html